Assessment of a video system for scanning DNA autoradiographs

A video based scanning system had been developed for processing DNA autoradiographs (T. Catterick and J.R. Russell, Lab. Microcomput. (1991), in press). Before the scanner was used in casework it was necessary to assess its performance. Test DNA samples containing fragments (alleles) of known kilobase size were run against the primary (Amersham, U.K.) calibration ladder. The resulting autoradiographs were processed with the new video scanner and also using manual, ruler based measurements. Comparisons were then made between these experimental results and also with the known kilobase values quoted by the supplier of the test samples.     

PROFILE OF A PUBLIC SERVICE UNION: THE ACT BRANCH OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE AND CLERICAL OFFICERS' ASSOCIATION

Abstract: The ACOA is now the largest union in Australia whose members are exclusively engaged in public employment; and the ACT branch, with some 12,000 members, is the largest in the union. Over the past twenty years the association has been in the process of transforming itself into an organization more like an orthodox trade union. This process has accelerated during the past decade, with the adoption of certain types of sanctions to support endeavours for the attainment of its goals. While this change has been occurring throughout the ACOA its progress has not been uniform within its eight branches. When it comes to engaging in direct industrial action the ACT branch is usually at variance with other branches, preferring to adhere to established principles of conciliation and arbitration. The predominantly higher-paid, career conscious members in the ACT see less need to use aggressive bargaining tactics than their colleagues elsewhere. Nevertheless, the branch has not escaped the effects of changing attitudes among public servants to the role of their unions. Since the latter 1960s the internal political life of the branch has been marked by factional divisions. The principal division has been between an ALP-supporting faction which favours a more orthodox role for the union and a Catholic, conservative faction identified with the Democratic Labor Party before its demise and the National Civic Council. This latter faction favours a continuation of the traditionally conservative stance of the union. For the future there is no sign of a decrease in the controversy which has surrounded branch politics in recent years although the bulk of the members will probably opt for a continuation of the established ways of doing things.